Introduction to Philemon: Slavery in the Old Testament

Slaves existed in ancient Israel, even if the prophets considered the system cruel. In spite of this, slaves were generally considered as inferior and had to show subservience to their owners. Solomon used forced labor to build not only his palace but even the temple itself. Unlike other ancient peoples, though, Israel had laws that

6th Sunday, Year B, Gospel Commentary (Mark 1:40-45)

40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Jesus was indignant. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. 43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell

30th Sunday, Year A, Gospel Commentary (Matthew 22:34-40)

34 Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And

30th Sunday, Year A, First Reading (Exodus 22:20-26 or 21-27)

21 “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. 22 “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. 23 If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. 24 My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.